He arrived in Lisbon yesterday, he was (practically) certain that he would wear green and white and all that was needed was confirmation… which now arrives: Luís Guilherme is Sporting’s first reinforcement in this winter market. The Brazilian winger arrives from West Ham, the club he represented for the last season and a half, and signs with the Lions for four and a half seasons, remaining linked to the Alvalade club until June 2030, with a release clause of 80 million euros.
At the time of the presentation, in statements to the green and white media, the Brazilian did not hide his satisfaction at signing for the two-time champion. «I am very happy to arrive at this gigantic club that is Sporting. From my first conversation with the director, they spoke very highly of the club, about it being a very family-friendly environment, where the players welcome those who arrive. I’m very happy, very fulfilled and I hope I can help our team as much as possible”, the Lions’ new reinforcement began by saying.
«It is a very famous club, not only in Portugal, but throughout the world. Everyone knows Sporting and knows how great the club is. I’m very happy to be able to represent this shirt”, added the 19-year-old player.
Luís Guilherme explained that the decision to move to Alvalade was supported by several conversations with people who know Sporting’s reality well. Among them, he highlighted Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder trained in Alcochete and a former colleague at West Ham, who gave him very positive references about the club. «Mateus Fernandes has always spoken highly of Sporting, the structure and the environment. When I told him I was coming here, he was very happy and wished me all the luck in the world”, he recalled, revealing that he also spoke to Abel Ferreira, who launched him at Palmeiras.
«He called me, spoke very good things about the club and wished me luck. He was the one who launched me professionally at Palmeiras and I can only thank him for everything», he stated.
Luis Guilherme arrives from West Ham. Photo: Sporting
«Adaptation will be easier because you speak Portuguese. Some words are different, but overall I can understand. I hope to adapt as quickly as possible to help my teammates win titles,” he said.
Regarding his characteristics, the green and white reinforcement defined himself as «a fast player», fond of «well-worked plays» and with «good finishing ability», guaranteeing total availability to adapt to Rui Borges’ ideas and demands. «I always have to be willing to improve, listen to my elders and learn. Just as I look at myself and see what I need to improve on, it’s always good to listen to people who have more knowledge, so that I can adapt as quickly as possible and help my teammates”, he highlighted.
Luís Guilherme also announced that he will wear the number 31 shirt, a number with special meaning: «It was the first one I wore as a professional at Palmeiras and I carry it with great joy.»
«I’m always ready to help Sporting. Even when I played less, I continued to train hard so that, when the opportunity arose, I could give my 100%”, he assured.
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Luís GUilherme takes number 31. Photo: Sporting
Finally, he left a direct message to the fans, promising dedication and ambition. «There will be no lack of desire or determination. I’m here to help and I hope to bring lots of joy to the fans”, he concluded.
Before becoming an official Sporting player, Luís Guilherme took to social media to leave a farewell message to West Ham: «I arrived at West Ham at a very young age, fulfilling one of my biggest dreams: playing in Europe and in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, with total focus on work. Opportunities didn’t always come the way I expected, but dedication, commitment and focus never failed, as I continued to grow as a player and as a man.”
«I would like to have helped more. I wish I could have done more for you, hammers. But in football, things don’t always go the way we want. It’s difficult to leave when I see the club going through a difficult time, but I’ll be rooting for better days. I want to thank everyone for this time together and for all the affection I received. Now I’m moving on to another challenge in my career, taking with me everything I’ve experienced here and with the certainty that good things are to come. Thankful for everything», wrote the Brazilian.
In one and a half years at the service of hammersparticipated in 18 matches, without managing to score any goals, ending up having difficulty asserting himself in the London team. He now arrives at Alvalade in the hope of playing his best football again, in a team that, at the moment, has several casualties in the winger position.
